Oct
23
2014

The tool eliminates the need for email or text message verification by allowing the user to authenticate logins by plugging it into their PC's USB port.

The Security Key was launched as a defence against some of the more sophisticated hackers out there, who are able to infiltrate two-step verification systems by setting up copycat sites that request login data from the user.

Google's new accessory uses cryptography to protect the user and is only designed to work with websites it has been pre-programmed for.

The Security Key is programmed to work with Google's Chrome Browser only, which is bad news for Firefox and Internet Explorer users.

Amazon is currently selling three versions of the device, ranging from $5.99 (£3.70) to $50 (£31.99) in price.

Oct
23
2014

Apple's 2014 Mac Mini is difficult to repair and even harder to upgrade via do-it-yourself means, according to a report.

Teardown specialist iFixit has already dissected the latest version of the machine, discovering that its processor and RAM are soldered to the logic board.

Although the computer is said to be relatively easy to have repaired professionally, the presence of T6 Torx Security screws, which require specialist tools to remove, makes it difficult to mend at home.

iFixit conducted its analysis on the entry-level model of the Mac Mini, discovering a 1.4GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor and 4GB of RAM inside.

This version of the machine is available at £399, while Apple is also offering 2.6GHz and 2.8GHz models at £569 and £799 respectively.

The new Mac Minis were unveiled alongside the iMac with Retina display, the iPad Air 2 and the iPad Mini 3 at Apple's press conference last week.

The update also includes the return of the Camera Roll due to popular demand.

Apple Continuity is another new set of features, which bring together iPhone, iPad and Mac devices closer than ever.

Handoff lets users start tasks from one device - such as an email or browsing the web - and pick it up from another. It's also possible to answer phone calls from an iPad or Mac, as well as Instant Hotspot and SMS from any device.

Meanwhile, in the US, mobile payment platform Apple Pay is now active, alongside a host of bug fixes.

Oct
23
2014

Facebook is unlikely to ever introduce a 'dislike' button because its inclusion would be too complex and needlessly negative, according to the firm's former chief technology officer.

Bret Taylor, the man who created the 'like' button, told TechRadar that giving users the option to display negative sentiment with a single click could result in "unfortunate consequences".

"[The dislike button] came up a lot. In fact even the language of the word like was something we discussed a lot as well," said Taylor. "But regarding the dislike button, the main reason is that in the context of the social network, the negativity of that button has a lot of unfortunate consequences.

"The reason we launched the button in the first place was that there were a lot of times that people wanted to acknowledge something someone did, but didn't have anything to say. And a lot of comments were one word like 'cool' or 'wow', so the like button let people did that with a single click. It wasn't really just a sentiment of 'like'."

Taylor went on to say that negativity is better expressed using specific words, and pointed out that the option to 'dislike' a post could result in implications for cyber bullying.

"I have the feeling that if there were to be a dislike button... you would end up with these really negative social aspects to it. If you want to dislike something, you should probably write a comment, because there's probably a word for what you want to say," he added.

"I'm not saying the like button isn't flawed - would it be even more complex with a negative sentiment like 'dislike'?"

Previous reports suggest that Facebook once toyed with the idea of adding a 'sympathise' button, but these plans are yet to materialise.

Oct
23
2014

Justice secretary Chris Grayling has called for a crackdown on 'internet trolling' in the UK, dubbing online abusers as "cowards".

The government official is backing previously-proposed legislation to quadruple jail sentences for those who send threatening messages on social media, increasing terms to up to two years.

"These internet trolls are cowards who are poisoning our national life," Grayling told the Mail on Sunday.

"No-one would permit such venom in person, so there should be no place for it on social media. That is why we are determined to quadruple the current six-month sentence."

He added: "This is a law to combat cruelty - and marks our determination to take a stand against a baying cyber-mob. We must send out a clear message: if you troll you risk being behind bars for two years."

Grayling's remarks follow a series of high-profile cases of internet trolling, including chilling rape threats against model Chloe Madeley just last week.

An amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill aiming to send cases of cyber bullying to crown courts - and increase maximum sentences from six months to two years - was tabled in March by Angie Bray MP.